TULSA – Jordan Mein still gets labeled as a prospect – even though he’s approaching 40 fights in his pro career.

But at just 24, and heading into his fourth UFC fight, he’s comfortable with the tag.

Mein (28-9 MMA, 2-1 UFC) takes on Mike Pyle (26-9-1 MMA, 9-4 UFC) in the UFC Fight Night 49 co-main event on Saturday, a bout that was put together less than three weeks ago when both fighters had opponents drop out.

Mein was supposed to fight Thiago Alves, a former prospect who went on to fight for a title before struggling in recent years with injuries. Then another legit prospect, Brandon Thatch, fell out with an injury, too.

“For sure in the UFC, but as far as the MMA community, all the organizations I’ve fought in around the world, I’ve been in this a long time,” Mein told MMAjunkie. “I’m obviously ready and I’ve prepared enough. But in the UFC, absolutely (I’m still a prospect).”

He could shed that label in a hurry on Saturday against Pyle, a fighter 14 years his senior with more than four times as many UFC fights. Mein is more than a 2-to-1 favorite.

UFC Fight Night 49 takes place Saturday at BOK Center in Tulsa. The main card, including the Mein-Pyle co-feature, airs on FOX Sports 1 following prelims on FOX Sports 2 and UFC Fight Pass.